Sexual Assault
: Alcohol and Rape

Alcohol Use and Sexual Assault

A majority of the sexual assaults experienced by college students occur in situations involving drinking—by the victim, the assailant, or both.

The definitions of rape and sexual assault include having sex with someone who is unable to consent because he or she is intoxicated, drugged, or unconscious. For example, if a person has sex with someone who is unable to consent, or is prevented from resisting, because of the effects of alcohol or other drugs, it can be considered rape or sexual assault if the person knew, or reasonably should have known, that the victim was mentally and/or physically incapacitated.

Often victims who have been drinking and/or using drugs at the time of a sexual assault have intense feelings of self-blame. They are also more likely to encounter blaming responses from other people.

Even if the person who assaulted you had been drinking and/or using drugs, he/she is still responsible for his/her behavior. Being drunk is not an excuse for committing any criminal acts, including sexual assault.